“Environmental Impact” Infographic:
It is undeniable that the automobile has a heavy impact on the environment. In the U.S., which has 30 percent of the world’s cars and consumes, 25 percent of the world’s oil but has only five percent of the world’s population, this impact is most keenly felt.
Carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. are 19.1 metric tons per person per year, behind only Qatar and Kuwait. As well as pollution emitted when a vehicle is driven, car sounds tend to be the greatest culprit in noise pollution, especially in cities. Air pollution, mainly caused by automobiles, causes an estimated 6 million asthma attacks, 53,000 hospitalizations and 159,000 trips to the emergency room every year. Children who live within 250 yards of well traveled highways run six times the risk of cancer as other children.
By law, auto manufacturers are now required to increase fuel efficiency in the cars they make. By 2016, all new cars in the U.S. must reach an average of 35.5 miles per gallon. This is expected to result in a 30 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from the present.
Currently, hybrid cars present a valuable alternative. They produce about 35 percent fewer emissions than gasoline powered autos. Their gas mileage is about 20 to 25 percent better. Consumers who buy hybrids can qualify for tax breaks of up to $3,400. Many insurance companies also offer car insurance discounts on your car insurance rates if you own a hybrid or electric vehicle. Best of all, becoming a hybrid owner greatly reduces your contribution to serious ecological and human health problems.
Source: Auto Insurance
“Does An Electric Car Make Sense For You?” Infographic:
While electric cars are an environmentally friendly and cheaper alternative to gasoline powered vehicles, they are not completely free of emissions and costs. Electric cars require electricity, much of which is produced by coal burning power plants. Charging an electric car is expected to cost an average of $28.88 for each 1,000 miles driven.
Still, electric cars are much more ecologically sound and cost effective than those running on fossil fuels. A gasoline powered car getting 25 miles per gallon needs over $100 worth of gas for each 1,000 miles driven. No electric car in the U.S. can produce more than half the carbon dioxide emissions of gas powered autos, and many produce less. Should the country move farther in the direction of using less polluting energy sources, such as wind or solar power, electric cars will be responsible for even less air pollution. They have the potential to reduce automobile carbon dioxide emissions 100 percent.
As if this were not reason enough to buy an electric car, there are even greater benefits. Electric cars need servicing much less often than gas powered ones, and they do not require oil changes at all. Their engines make little or no noise. Switching to electric vehicles will result in greater peace and quiet, not only for their drivers, but also for anyone in the vicinity of the road. The reduction in air and noise pollution carries a good prognosis for the health of people and the environment. There are also several car insurance discounts available for those who own electric cars, which can add up to considerable savings.
Source: Auto Insurance
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